Illinois State Requirements for Pest Control Certification

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Section 225:235 of Illinois Compiled Statutes defines the requirements necessary to work as a pest control technician in the state. Commonly called the Structural Pest Control Act, the law mandates that all technicians receive a license prior to working in the field. The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the licensing program.

Education

All pest control workers in Illinois must have a high school diploma or GED. Technicians who perform extermination services only in commercial buildings with pesticides not deemed as restricted by the state don't need any additional training or education. Those who provide extermination services to residential customers or use restricted chemicals must complete a pest control course approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Alternatively, such candidates can complete 16 credits of coursework in entymology at an accredited college or university or have six months of work experience related to pest control.

Other Requirements

Candidates for pest control technician licensing in Illinois must complete an application, which is available from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The application asks questions regarding candidates' personal contact information. In addition, candidates must include a 2-inch by 2-inch photograph of themselves when returning the form. Payment of a fee is also necessary; this fee was $75 as of April 2011. Any candidate who is more than 30 days delinquent on a required child support order may be ineligible for licensing.

Examination

After completing the application, candidates for pest control licensing in Illinois must pass a written examination. The test is typically held at least monthly in different areas in the state, including Peoria, Des Plaines, Orland Park, Champaign, Wood River, Carterville and Springfield. The multiple-choice examination relates to label comprehension, safety, environmental awareness and the handling and storage of pesticides. All technicians who wish to work with any restricted pesticides must take an additional examination for each category in which they wish to be licensed. The restricted categories are insects and rodents, termites, birds, fumigation, food processing, institutional and multiresident housing, public health pest control and wood products pest control.

Renewal

Once issued, Illinois pest control licensing remains valid for three years; it expires on December 31 of the expiration year. To qualify for renewal, technicians must complete an application, which is available online at the Illinois Department of Public Health's website. In addition, technicians must complete a minimum of nine hours of continuing-education coursework in classes approved by the department. Technicians must also pay a renewal fee, which was $75 as of April 2011.

About the Author

Faith Davies has been writing professionally since 1996, contributing to various websites. She holds an LAH insurance license in the state of Pennsylvania and has experience as a bank branch manager and lending officer. Davies graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a Bachelor of Arts in art history.